“Especially in Western states that have patchworks of federal and private land, improving building opportunities on some federal land could be a creative solution to housing shortages in some communities.”
PHOENIX – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is voicing his interest in collaborating on the newly announced federal initiative to explore housing development on public lands. In a letter to Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner and Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum, Senator Gallego applauds the creation of the Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing while urging transparency and community engagement.
“As the Task Force develops its initiatives and recommendations, I encourage a balanced approach to land development that prioritizes environmental stewardship, respects tribal sovereignty, and involves meaningful engagement with local, state, and tribal communities to ensure housing developments meet their specific needs,” Senator Gallego wrote.
“It is imperative that we pursue every available avenue to reduce the burden of housing costs on families and make home ownership an accessible cornerstone of the American dream,” he continues. “Especially in Western states that have patchworks of federal and private land, improving building opportunities on some federal land could be a creative solution to housing shortages in some communities.”
To better understand the Task Force’s objectives and its impact, Senator Gallego requested answers to the following questions:
- Please provide a list of the names of Task Force members along with their roles and areas of expertise.
- Please provide information on any scheduled meetings or deadlines guiding this effort.
- Please confirm whether meeting notes or reports from the Task Force will be made publicly available to ensure transparency in its operations.
- Please describe the methodology being used to inventory available federal lands for residential development and clarify whether this inventory will be made publicly accessible. What specific criteria will be used to determine the suitability of federal lands for residential development? Will factors such as proximity to transportation, schools, and employment centers be considered in the decision-making process?
- How will the Task Force coordinate with other federal agencies, such as the Department of Transportation or the Environmental Protection Agency, to address transportation and environmental concerns during the development of these lands?
- Will the Task Force explore partnerships with private developers, and if so, what safeguards will be in place to ensure that these developments remain affordable and meet the needs of local communities?
- Please describe the specific process through which the Task Force plans to engage with affected communities, including tribal and rural communities. Will there be opportunities for public comment or hearings?
Full text of the letter can be read HERE.
READ MORE: Gallego open to working with Trump on housing
Senator Gallego serves on both the Senate Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and Energy and Natural Resources.
4/24/25